Filter failed, please help

[Gouramis]

I have an aquaone 620 fish tank and the filter has just failed, its integral and the parts are like rocking horse teeth over here in the UK.
I have bought a tetratec 700 cannister filter and installed it. I have also used the white ceramic loops in the new tank from the old. I am now a bit worried that the cycle has been broken and all my fish will depart their mortal coil. Has anyone any suggestions to limit the impact?

[TKOS]

If you have test kits then test and change water as needed. If not then I would suggest moderate water changes every couple of days over the next week and then back off a bit. Say 20-30% every other day if possible.

There is a lot of good bacteria in the tank itself, and by using the old ceramic media you should be okay. there may have been a bit of loss but I wouldn't worry too much.

Good luck.

[Gouramis]

Thanks for that

Ive just checked and the ammonia and ph are fine, the nitrite is about 0.1 ppm and Nitrate is worryingly as 50ppm

so water change it is. I take it I shouldnt vac the gravel too much until the filter has developed a good bacteria culture?

[wataugachicken]

the suction of the gravel vac is not strong enough to pull the bacteria off of the gravel.

[Rbishop]

I would gravel vac until the substrate ran clear and free.

[TKOS]

The excess nitrate is probably from things getting stirred up. Some water changes will get it down. Watch the nitrites. Those bacteria grow slower than the ammonia eaters, so a spike may occur. But yes, do some gravel vacuum as well.